Tuesday, January 7, 2014

I was surprised to learn that John Eberson, designer of the Silver Theatre in Silver Spring also designed a theatre in Melbourne. In the early 1920s, Eberson was renowned for designing atmospheric theatres when Stuart Doyle, Managing Director of Union Theatres, met him on a trip to American and commissioned him to design three theatres in Australia, The Capitol Theatre in Sydney, The Ambassador in Perth and the State Theatre in Melbourne. The State, now known as The Forum, opened in 1929.

The Spring Theatre, now known as the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, opened in 1938 and I would would say that Eberson has moved on from designing atmospheric theatres. The exterior is totally Streamline Moderne.

The interior is very deco but I'll leave what's behind these doors for another time.

2 comments:

You note that Stuart Doyle, Managing Director of Union Theatres, met Eberson on a trip to American and commissioned him to design three theatres in three different Australian cities. So I wonder why there wasn't an Australian architect who could design attractive and modern cinemas. Perhaps Doyle wanted to tap right into the source of Hollywood Deco glamour!

I think it was the particular style of atmospheric theatre that Eberson excelled in. You can still see some of the elements at the Forum with the ceiling resembling the blue sky and statues and ruins above the screen level at each side.

MELBOURNE ART DECO
In 2009 Robin Grow published a book on Melbourne Art Deco, with images largely supplied by David Thompson. The book quickly sold out and he is pleased to say that it has now been re-published by Brolga Press, with updates, errors corrected and a new cover.

Best of all, it is selling for about $25 in the shops and on-line. Art Deco & Modernism Society members can purchase a copy from me for $22, (includes postage within Australia). For overseas orders please email for postage rates. Contact me at robingrow@ozemail.com.au if you are interested, and advise if you would like the book to be dedicated and/or signed.